Ireland and France do have one thing in common during this year’s Six Nations. And it’s not poor form.
Like Ireland, France has a problem at No 10 where Frederic Michalak has been a disappointment during the campaign.
The 30-year-old had not been involved in the French setup for two years when he was called up by new Head Coach Philippe Saint-Andre for the autumn international series.
The two-time Heineken Cup winner was a key man during France’s successful tests in November. The Toulon man started the first Autumn test, scoring 15 points in a 33 – 6 victory over Australia at the Stade de France.
He followed that up with 24 more points against Argentina, a week later, also getting another drop goal.
He played an even more crucial role in France’s final test, scoring 19 of Les Blues’ points – including the only try – in a 22 – 14 win over Samoa.
In all during the three November tests, Michalak was virtually unerring with the boot, converting 18 of his 19 place kicks. That form assured him of a place in the starting XV for the Six Nations.
Scapegoat
But as France’s has floundered losing their first three games so far, Michalak has been a scapegoat in the decline.
The fly-half did notch eight points against Italy in the opening game, but missed an easy conversion which would have levelled up the scores at 7 – 7 early in the match. France ultimately succumbed to a shock 23 – 20 defeat which wrecked their Grand Slam hopes with Michalak kicking three from five. But his decision-making was also frustrating and erratic in equal measure, a problem which continued against Wales two weeks later.
Since that opening game, Michalak has only kicked nine more points, and suffered the ignominy of being booed by the French crowd as he trudged off after the loss to the Welsh before being dropped from the starting XV for Francois Trinh-Duc of Montpellier in the 23 – 13 defeat to England at Twickenham two weeks ago.
Although kicking duties went to Clermont’s Morgan Parra against England, France noticeably lost their way in the second-half when Trinh-Duc was subbed off for Michalak in the 52 minute with the scores locked at 12 – 10 to England. Two minutes Manu Tuilgai scored an all-important try to put the English in control.
But Michalak may be struggling because of the fact that he does not play at No 10 at club level. At Toulon, he plays at scrum-half with kicking duties and the No 10 shirt going to Jonny Wilkinson.
Yet after dropping him against England, Saint Andre has recalled him to the starting XV against Declan Kidney’s men this evening which could play into Ireland’s hands if his poor form persists.
©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
